War Reflections: A Simile from Stephen Crane

What is one simile from An Episode of War by Stephen Crane?

Answer: Crane's similes convey that, sadly, human war is part of Nature: the battery sounds like “the crash of waves on rocks”; the shooting “crackled like bush-fires” and sometimes “like thunder.” The lieutenant comes upon stragglers who, “no longer having part in the battle, know more of it than others.

Understanding Crane's Similes in An Episode of War

Crane's similes convey a deep connection between human conflicts and the natural world. One example is when the battery sounds like “the crash of waves on rocks. This comparison evokes a sense of power and violence, highlighting the destructive nature of war. Another simile compares the shooting to “bush-fires” and “thunder.” These comparisons emphasize the chaotic and uncontrollable aspect of warfare, equating the sounds of battle with the uncontrollable forces of nature.

These similes serve to not only describe the sounds of war but also to reflect on the broader themes of the story. By linking human conflict to the natural world, Crane suggests that war is not just a human invention but a fundamental part of the world we live in.

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